5 Ways to Fall in Love with Asheville in 2015

Fall is one of our favorite times of the year here in Asheville. Our mountainside views and hikes are world-renowned for their stunning beauty and vivid colors. Naturally, we're more than happy to share our little (however superior) corner of the world with you! Since there are so many events going on and things to do, we have narrowed down the dozens of possible recommendations to five awesome options spanning everything from downtown to the untamed mountainsides and special events to annual traditions.

As a woman, it can be more than a little overwhelming to navigate a society with so many conflicting values and messages. Take your daughters, or treat yourself, to aSHEville Museum's exhibit- Her Nobel Words. See first hand how different choices and beliefs can be applied to make the world better. aSHEville Museum remembers the sixteen women who have won the Nobel Peace Prize and honors the diversity that helps us move forward as people and as a world.

ZaPow Illustration Art Gallery strives to bring innovation and imagination to the way we see the world and from now until October 11, will be running an exhibit titled, "Heroes and Villains" that will display images of reimagined classic heroes and villains. This will be an especially fun feature to see due to the heightened interest in super heroes and their nefarious nemeses that has been prompted by the wave of Marvel and DC movies and TV shows in the last few years. Make sure not to miss this opportunity to challenge your perception on just what it takes to be a hero and what they look like.

 If you love Asheville, chances are that you love art! Or beer...or hiking...or great food - your love of Asheville could stem from lots of things, though Asheville does have a unique artistic community. Art is a great way to interact with Asheville and take a little bit of it's spirit home with you. Art First Aid is a special class that you bring past artistic endeavors to, and Lorelle Bacon helps you breathe new life into them! Rivers Edge Studio is a safe place to bring any pieces that went better in your head than on canvas and turn your vision into a reality.

Take a guided hike through one of Asheville's most beautiful trails. This is considered a moderate hike and is four miles long, beginning on Sunset Mountain and continuing to Route 9. This hike will take you through a portion of a property known as Rhododendron, which belonged to Rafael Gustavino - the architect of the Biltmore Estate.

Explore historic Asheville houses, such the Terry Estate, which hosted lavish society parties in  the Prohibition on the 4th Annual Haunted House Tour. Though its history became more dignified as time continued, there are still all kinds of secrets to find in the corners and crannies of this mansion. This year's tour will also feature exhibits of photographs, objects and ephemera from the museum! Tours are on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24. Guided tours begin at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 for non-Swannanoa Valley Museum members and $30 for members. For more information or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call their office at 828-669-9566.